Construction site accidents targeted in new campaign

3rd March 2010

A new initiative aimed at stopping dangerous practices on building sites across Britain has been welcomed by work accident specialists Fentons Solicitors.

Construction is one of Britain's most dangerous industries, with 53 workers losing their lives and a further 11,264 injured across the UK during 2008/09. Now the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) wants to raise awareness of construction site risks, and prevent these unnecessary injuries and deaths.

"While some sectors of the construction industry have made improvements in recent years, we are still seeing too many cases where injuries could have been avoided," said Karl Tonks, a work accident specialist with Fentons Solicitors LLP. "The new HSE initiative will focus on refurbishment or roofing work, which is a sector which has long been a cause for concern."

As part of the new initiative, HSE inspectors will make unannounced visits to ensure that sites are managing work at height safely and are in good order.

"If the inspectors find poor practice that is putting the lives of workers at risk, the HSE will take action," said Karl, a partner with the firm. "This could include closing sites and prosecuting those responsible, so the initiative really is a wake-up call to the industry to make sure they take safety seriously."

How can Fentons Solicitors help?
Fentons has a specialist department experienced in handling claims for victims of accidents in the workplace.

If you think that you have a case or require further information contact Fentons on 0800 0191 297 or fill in the online claims questionnaire.